Best Online Public Administration Degree Options
Should You Enroll in an Online Public Administration Degree Program?
While pursuing an online degree can be a good choice for many students, it isn’t the right choice for everyone. Here are some important factors to consider when deciding whether to pursue an online public administration degree:
- Cost: Online degrees can be less expensive than their in-person counterparts as you won’t have to worry about housing or transportation costs. Many schools also offer in-state or discounted tuition rates to online students.
- Schedule: If you have a lot of time commitments—for example, if you’re working full time—then an asynchronous online program that allows you to set your own schedule could be a good option. Also note that some online degrees are structured in standard fall-spring semester calendars, while others use quarters or have rolling start dates every few weeks.
- Learning style: Consider what helps you learn best. To succeed in an online program, you’ll need to be self-motivated and have strong time management skills. If you prefer a more structured experience and collaboration, an in-person or hybrid program might suit you better.
Accreditation for Online Public Administration Degree Programs
Having a degree from an accredited school or program shows that you’ve received a quality education. The programs on this list are subject to two forms of accreditation: institutional and programmatic.
Institutional Accreditation
Institutional accreditation refers to an overall school and all of its programs. Schools on this list are approved by institutional accreditors such as the Higher Learning Commission and the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Note that you must attend an accredited school to be eligible for financial aid.
You can check if a school is accredited by searching the Council for Higher Accreditation’s (CHEA) database. This information should also be posted on the school’s website.
Programmatic Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation refers to the degree-granting program itself. One organization that provides field-specific accreditation for public administration is the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, which is recognized as a programmatic accreditor by CHEA.
How To Find the Right Online Public Administration Degree Program for You
Choosing to pursue higher education is one of the most important decisions many people make in their lives, so you’ll want to think hard about what you want to get out of it. Here are some important points to think about when comparing online public administration programs:
Consider Your Future Goals
Consider your career goals. Public administration programs offer specializations and focuses like public safety, emergency preparedness and nonprofit management. Targeted coursework and internship opportunities can help you start your career before you even graduate.
A master’s degree in public administration may help you advance even further in the field, so think about if you’d like to pursue one. Many online public administration bachelor’s degree programs—including some on this list—feature accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s options or allow undergrad students to easily transfer into a master’s program.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
The 10 online programs ranked on this list vary widely in cost. On the upper end is the University of La Verne at $665 per credit, and on the low end is Indian River State College at about $104 per credit. Other fees, including distance learning fees, may also apply. Considering the average program is 120 credits, this translates to a range of about $12,480 to $79,800 in total tuition costs.
As a comparison, the average undergraduate tuition and fees at four-year institutions was $17,709 during the 2022-2023 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This equates to about $70,836 for a typical four-year bachelor’s degree.
A good first step to paying for your degree is to fill out the FAFSA® to see what federal aid—including federal student loans and grants—you qualify for. You might also qualify for school-based aid depending on your FAFSA information. You can also apply for private scholarships and grants, as well as private student loans to fill any financial gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Public Administration Degrees
Is a bachelor’s degree in public administration worth it?
A bachelor’s degree in public administration can be worth it, depending on what you plan to do with the degree after graduation. Jobs like city manager, nonprofit director and urban planner may pay above-average wages. Social and community managers made a median salary of about $77,000 in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How many years is a bachelor’s in public administration?
A bachelor’s degree in public administration, like most bachelor’s degrees, takes about four years of full-time study to complete—possibly longer with an internship. Some online programs offer accelerated degree tracks and allow for extensive credit transfers, which can shorten this timeline.
What degree is best for public administration?
While there is no “best” degree, a bachelor’s degree can open many doors in the public administration field. An associate degree can suffice for some positions, and a master’s degree or even a Ph.D. in public administration could provide even more opportunities than a bachelor’s degree.
